Well, its the time of the year for lists. Gift lists, grocery lists, card lists--the lists go on!
You can add this one to your list, too--maybe under 'Humor'?
It seems the New Oxford English Dictionary recently announced the 2009 Word of the Year. What is it? Its that questionable verb from FaceBook--"Unfriend".
Yep, technology is here to stay, folks. As if you didn't already know that!
As with anything new, this announcement has stirred up a bit of controversy. There are people who are not surprised at this and there are those who are upset by it. Some claim that it is made up, while others argue that this is exactly how a language grows. Personally, I feel I have to agree with the latter. Its just like the words 'iPod' or 'podcast' a couple of years ago. People tried to eliminate them from the language. The people from Windows even tried to get the public to use a different word than podcast--anyone remember what it was? Thought not. It was too late. The word is now as ubiquitous as any other word in English, and even its common in other languages around the world.
Is it a word or not? In an unofficial, unscientific poll, 52% said 'No' while only 32% said yes. There are a significant number of people who either don't care or think the whole thing is crazy.
Crazy or unimportant, it may be. However, you have to admit, its fun!
What do you think?
Of course it's how language grows. Right now, the question is this: will "Unfriend" will go the way of "Pickthank," or will it prove so useful that it actually sticks around for a while?
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